In the dimly lit underbelly of Sydney’s indie music scene, emerges a maverick solo producer, singer, and songwriter who goes by the enigmatic (literally, we couldn’t find any other) moniker of Viv Sometimes. Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of Australia, Viv takes us on a dreamy escapade with his mellow retro-inspired indie tunes, offering me a needed respite from the party anthems of ‘Dezemba’.

Viv’s musical journey unfolds like a serendipitous novel, with classical piano training and electronic music production laying the foundation for his artistic venture. However, it was an impulsive late-night purchase of an electric guitar during the throes of isolation that marked the genesis of Viv Sometimes. From the confines of his home office setup, he orchestrates a symphony that dances between the realms of nostalgia and contemporary allure.

With the release of his inaugural track in early 2023, Viv sets the stage for a monthly rendezvous with his audience, sharing slices of his life through each carefully crafted single. His latest offering, “Tell Me How,” serves as an auditory testament to the complexities of love and the quandaries it presents.

As the delicate chords of “Tell Me How” envelop the listener, one is transported into the introspective labyrinth of romantic uncertainty. The song becomes a melodic confessional, where Viv grapples with the intricacies of expressing affection without falling into the trap of performative gestures. Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries like the Beatles and the indie stylings of Peach Pit, Viv infuses the track with a distinctive charm that transcends temporal boundaries.

The production choices on “Tell Me How” reveal the subtle influence of Viv’s eclectic musical palette. The sonic landscape is bathed in a warm, vintage glow, reminiscent of the Beatles’ psychedelic era. Yet, there’s a modern flair that intertwines seamlessly, echoing the contemporary indie vibes championed by Peach Pit.

At its core, “Tell Me How” is a lyrical introspection on the hesitations that accompany matters of the heart. The yearning for clarity, the desire for unambiguous direction in the tumultuous waters of love – these sentiments are etched into the very fabric of the song. Viv’s vocals, delicate and emotive, carry the weight of vulnerability, inviting the audience to resonate with the universal experience of navigating the labyrinth of emotions.

In a musical landscape saturated with conformity, Viv Sometimes emerges as a refreshing anomaly, unafraid to embrace the nuances of vulnerability and uncertainty. “Tell Me How” serves not only as a testament to his musical prowess but as an authentic expression of the human condition in all its perplexing beauty. “Tell Me How” stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, unravelling the threads of love’s intricacies with each note.

As we navigate the uncharted waters of Viv’s evolving discography, one can’t help but anticipate the next monthly instalment – a musical rendezvous that promises to be as unpredictable and captivating as the artist himself.